The Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre is dedicated to preserving one of
Canada's native birds, the endangered burrowing owl. The centre is located in
Moose Jaw,
Saskatchewan, the heart of the owl's territory. It was opened in 1997; it stays open from 10 to 6 every day during the summer. During the winter months it is staffed by the director on weekdays from 8 to 5 so you should call ahead if you want a tour. The entire facility is free to the public.
The Interpretive Centre exists to educate the public not only about the lives of burrowing owls, but also to make them aware of the delicate balance that is required by a prairie ecosystem. When you visit you will get the chance to walk through a giant replica of an owl's burrow, see captive owls in a natural enclosure, and perhaps see one of the owls that nest in the region year after year. You can also take a 1 km trek through the prairie to see other wildlife and learn more about natural prairie plants.
During the summer there are many other special activities such as a Wise Owlets kids' day camp, fundraising dinners, and fall migration festival to celebrate the annual owl departure in September. The centre also tours their captive owls to local schools and broadcasts the hatching of its new owls over the internet. You can also enquire about adopting an owl through the Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre.
